#JESUS2019 - Daily DevotionalsSample

The vine is the trunk of the plant with its roots. It transfers nutrients and water from the soil into the branches. Jesus makes a very strong claim about himself when he says: “I am the root of your life, and all the nutrients come from me. First to the vines (branches) and then into the fruit. Do you want to do good? Here, I am the root, you are the branches.”

And we? We are the ones who are allowed to bear the fruit. We are the fruitful vines and bring forth fruits like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and faithfulness. (Galatians 5)

By the way, according to the Bible, the greatest fruits are people who get to know Jesus through you. So, when we live under the sun of God’s vineyard in our hearts and minds, when we cling to Jesus and bring forth good fruit, the people who see this will be astonished by God!

Do you know why the quality of your fruit is so important? We are cared for by the father and looked after by Jesus - and the grapes will grow. And the people who pass our vineyard and see the overflowing barrels with deep red grapes filled with love, joy and peace, will ask in astonishment: “Who does this vineyard belong to?” Then you point your finger upwards and say: “The almighty!”

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” This is why it is so important to God that we bear fruit. And this is why it is so important that you remain in Jesus.

ACTION STEP: 

Today, keep your eyes open to see how people perceive you. For example, if somebody praises you, you can say: “I did not use to have much joy (or patience or friendliness). But I have since experienced that Jesus brings joy and meaning to my life, and I have totally changed from within. I’m so thankful to God for that!”

Jörg Gräfingholt - ICF Freiburg